Gallery: Behind the scenes at joint rescue task

SITTING on the deck of a rocking boat, Lena Davydenko grimaces as a deluge of salt water washes aboard and drenches her from head to toe.

With her right hand she grabs a rail to steady herself. With her left she grasps the life jacket of colleague Dale Uden, who is holding a rope attached to a helicopter hovering about 30 metres above their heads.

As the helicopter lowers, the force from the blades hits the ocean, sending another torrent their way.

It's 9.30am on a Wednesday, and Lena and Dale are two of seven Volunteer Marine Rescue Mackay members who have given their time to help RACQ CQ Rescue practise a high-line vessel transfer.